I am not going to defend my mc, nor his actions, nor his reactions, nor the fact that he raped Cherry, nor the fact that Cherry is able and willing to move past that, nor the fact that Dave doesn't die, nor the fact that he cries a lot.
Then don't. You've presented a summary and excerpts. Let them speak for themselves. Either re-write it or don't.
I won't try to explain myself, my choices, my research. I won't try to change your mind about what I have written. I won't speculate as to whether or not Dave rapes again. I won't comment on your written or implied comments that I responded inappropriately, or unthoughtfully, or incorrectly to the posters here.
Then don't. Whether or not I think his recidivism needs to be addressed is irrelevant, because it's your story. Tell it how you want to tell it, but be prepared for dissenting opinions. You question was:
So, my question is: what does the AW community think?
And they told you. I suppose it's more difficult to answer because you aren't really asking a solid question. You aren't asking whether or not we'd continue reading, or if we'd root for Dave, or if we think you're justifying his behavior. You're just asking for opinions without any limited set of criteria.
I won't comment on your comment: I mean, honestly, if you're afraid of people thinking you're a rape apologist, just turn the scene into hate fucking.
Actually, I think you should comment. I mean, here you say:
I think it’s important to keep it in my story. It defines the mc, it’s integral to the story and shaping the relationship between him and the kid.
If the rape is pivotal, nothing we can say will change your story. There will always be people who judge the author because of what they write. If you're afraid of them, change the scene. Turn it into rough sex. And if you're able to do that, it proves that the scene wasn't pivotal. If it is, change it back.
I guess the big question any author wants answered is "do you like my book, and would you read my next one?" And, frankly, you want more responses of "yes" than "no". And if you're getting more "no's" you might want to rethink your novel. Because, yeah, we can say "write for yourself" all we want, but in the end, you're not writing for yourself if you're seeking publication.
I will, however, state, for the record, that I think Detective Stabler does, on occasion, manage a memorable, even pithy, utterance, which is a testament to the creative and skilled talents of the show's writers. . .perhaps, to all writers.
Meh, I thought the show was poorly written at times (I've watched every single episode -- don't ask why) but the quote stood out. I am kind of wondering if Dave will rape again.